I am looking for a way to power down individual M.2 SSDs in my computer via a switch. I use my PC for both work and personal use and want to strictly separate my data in this manner without having to buy a second PC and a KVM switch. Currently, I do this using a SATA 3 rack with integrated power switches for the individual drives.
The “simplest” solution I’ve found seems to be plugging the M.2 SSDs into U.2 adapters
[Delock Item No. 62725] and then connecting the adapters to the M.2 connectors on the motherboard using M.2 Key M to U.2 cables [Delock Item No. 62984]. I would regulate the power supply via the “SATA 15 Pin Power Connector” on the M.2 to U.2 cable using a “SATA Power Switch”.
If anyone has a more elegant solution, I am all ears.
However, primarily, I want to know two things.
Does the M.2 SSD actually requires the “SATA 15 Pin Power Connector” on the M.2 Key M to U.2 cable for operation when using these adapters. Are the conductive tracks originally required for powering the M.2 SSD interrupted when using these adapter cables during the transition from M.2 to U.2, or does the M.2 SSD still receive its power directly from the M.2 connector on the motherboard since it ultimately is M.2 to M.2?
Since I am using so many Adapters, is it possible to say how much speed, if any, I will loose by having so many contact points between the SSD and the Mainboard? M.2 SSD → M.2 to U.2 Adapter → U.2 to M.2 Adapter → M.2 connector on the Motherboard.
Please let me know if this question would be better placed in another section of the forum or if anyone knows another website that is more specialized in this topic.
My problem with this kind of rack ist that it connects and disconnects the contacts directly on the M.2 SSD.
Those are only rated for 20 cycles or somethin low like that.
Expanding on the idea of @wizarddata, the Icydock flexiDOCK MB021VP-B looks to be a U.2 accepting slot with a power switch.
Your M.2 would live in a U.2 Adapter as proposed in the OP. Depending on budget and desired convenience, maybe have two docks.
The Icydock flexiDOCK has a Slimline SAS connector.
I would need a PCIe extension card to connect it to a regular Mainboard.
I see three problems with that:
There would be more points of connection:
M.2 SSD → M.2 to U.2 Adapter → U.2 to M.2 Adapter → M.2 connector on the Motherboard
VS
M.2 SSD → M.2 to U.2 Adapter → Slimline SAS cable → PCIe Card → PCIe connector on the Motherboard.
Several (2 or 3) flexi DOCKs plus a PCIe card with several Slimline SAS ports will get expensive quick.
Furthermore it will use up a lot of space at the front of the case compared to a “SATA Power Switch”.